When the Messiah preached His message on the mountainside at the launch of His ministry, He knew what awaited Him, and He knew what was in store for His true followers. Jesus knew that persecution would be a part of his ministry.

Persecution is something no one wants to face, especially if it is done for the sake of righteousness. In the “beatitude,” Jesus teaches (Matt. 5:10) to suffer for righteousness is rewarded the kingdom of heaven. God never promises us that we will have an easy life if we followed him. In fact, if you live for God in this world, you will be persecuted. The life of a believer intimidates those that walk in unrighteousness.

We should always be reminded that righteousness carries a heavy weight. Righteousness will always be affected by persecution. Persecution will always come in different forms, whether it is physically, verbally or emotionally. Some have been sentenced to jail, life in prison, and even death for the sake of righteousness. Some have lost their jobs, been insulted and considered less than nothing because of righteousness. Friendships and families have departed on the basis of doing things according to the righteousness of God. Whether you may have been physically persecuted, verbally persecuted or falsely accused, remember, great is your reward, for the kingdom of God is yours.

As Christians, we have an obligation to live our lives according to the righteousness of God. In 2nd Timothy 2: 12-14, Timothy reminds us, “If we remain faithful even in suffering (according to righteousness), we will also rule with him. If we refuse to say we know him, he will refuse to say he knows us. If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself.” Therefore, keep on telling everyone these truths of righteousness, and warn them before God not to argue about the truth because such arguments don’t help anyone, and they ruin those who listen to them.

I read a statement that said, “Persecution is a gift.” In other words, persecution is a gift to stretch your faith. Christians are blessed when people mess with them for righteousness sake. Christians should trust God’s every word in that.”

Blessed (happy) are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Christ’s sake. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. So don’t take persecution as an enemy for righteousness sake, but use it as a stepping stone to get closer to your reward; “the kingdom of heaven.”